Okay... there are exceptions to everything. My wife and I live an hour south of San Francisco, on the California coast, and have endured far more discrimination here than either of us did in Arkansas, Indiana, or Colorado... I don't quite know what this means, but for some reason, we thought it'd be more tolerant here. Guess you never know.

Dino

Quote from: Kaitlyn on July 15, 2007, 02:52:34 AM
I live in Illinois, and all in all, I do think it is a very good state in general for trans people, just so long as you don't live in small downstate communities, which tend to be a lot more rural and conservative.

Aside from legal protections, I feel like most people are fairly tolerant of differences, including trans. Chicago has a sizable GLBT population, and it's pretty easy to find treatment options and care providers in the Chicagoland area, including clinics that focus on LGBT issues. And as a whole, the area is trending more liberal politically, even a bit in the fairly affluent suburbs. While education can vary a bit from place to place, and there definitely are some stinkers in the city and around, but there are a lot of very good schools in the suburbs, if that's a concern.

If there's anything that detracts from Illinois, it's probably that the climate is quite variable. It's quite cold in the winter, and hot and humid during the summer. Usually, it's better (more moderate) the closer you get to the lake (Lake Michigan), but only to an extent. Anyway, that's my biggest complaint. Hot, then cold, sometimes in a matter of days =p. You'll definitely need a good wardrobe for all four seasons if you live here~.

Northwest Illinois here.  Good attitude towards transgender people as far as I can tell.  I was just unlucky and grew up with Evangelical parents.  And the climate... gaaah!  The weather channel is useless in this part of the country.  And tornadoes.   

I'll be going to school in Savannah, Georgia in a few months.  I hope I don't have problems while I'm there.  I hear Savannah has a high crime rate. 

Quote from: Aeyra on July 16, 2007, 12:34:19 AM
"The list is a good start, but HIGHLY flawed.  You should not use the government bureaucracies in those states as a criteria.  I would also knock Illinois down a notch because of their birth certificate rules force you to go to a US licensed practitioner if you want SRS.  Also while COOK COUNTY and Chicago is a tolerant place, I would hardly consider the collar counties a good place for TS.  Also for a city Chicago is rather safe, if you know the city.  "

Yes it's true that IL requires you to use a US doctor for SRS, but then again I wouldn't head outside the USA for SRS. I don't buy that the doctors in Thailand or Vietnam or wherever are very high quality, and they might not be safe countries to go to if anyone finds out you are TG. Also, given what is going on in this country, I'm beginning to wonder if the letter on your birth certificate will even be relavent in the future. I won't go into detail here as to why but I'm doubtful that BCs will even be useful irregardless of your gender identity in the near future.

As for legal protections, you'll have better luck if you do have them, and not just in employment. Don't assume that just because someone doesn't fire you for being TG, don't assume that your landlord (or county tax office if you own real estate) necessarily thinks the same. They might try to can you, and given the way most of the country is set up, it's very difficult to get back up on your feet if they throw you out the door. Having no legal protections is a nightmare, believe me.

I won't doubt that DC and cities similar to it have some good jobs, but keep in mind that DC is a very heavily subsidized city. DC gets back around $6.60 for every dollar sent to the US Treasury/IRS, and that spells potential trouble if you ask me. Yes, I have been out East and out West and I have dealt with and spoken with people all over the Union and your more heavily subsidized states aren't usually good places for TG people. Maryland and Virginia are heavily subsidized states as well (even though Maryland is a Blue State and much of NOVA votes "blue"), and an economy based on missile defense and Homeland Security may not be viable in the future. I think it's obvious that the cowboy states (the nickname I give for the Rocky Mountain/Great Plains states) aren't good places at all for TG people, they're probably just as bad as the COnfederate south except they live in the mountains. Another thing too, the only really "pro-liberty" state in the US is New Hampshire, and even that state has all kinds of wacky laws and such.

-----FYI, I wrote this report with the anticipation of hard times in this country. I considered a bunch of factors I didn't write in this report (geopolitical factors, cultural and historical behaviors of the 50 states, energy politics, economic patterns, etc) and I honestly believe that states that can sustain themselves will be much better for not only LGBT people but everyone in general. Sure, you might live in an area of Virginia or Arizona or any one of the heavily subsidized states that is fairly pro-TG, but they may be pro-TG simply because the dollars keep flowing in from DC. What should happen if the dollars stop? People change dramatically if they are broke or desperate for work, and I strongly feel that DC might not be sending anymore $$$$ to the states like they do now.

Virginia - gets back about $1.66 for every dollar paid to Feds
Maryland - about $1.44 for every dollar going to the Feds
North Dakota - about $1.75 for every dollar to Feds
Idaho - $1.28 for every dollar sent to Feds

If DC stops sending money, then what are these states and others in their boat going to do about the shortfalls? In North Dakota, you'd be looking at taxes going up about $3900 per capita to make up for the shortfall assuming that you wanted to keep the same level of services in the state. I don't mean to be rude but please do not tell me that any state that is heavily subsidized (more than $1.10 recieved for every dollar sent to the Feds) is going to be a good place for TGs or for a lot of people in general. Much of society today is very unstable even in good times. How will people react to transgender folk if hard times come upon them?

I also admit that I wrote this report with the intent of providing some guidance for a good place to 'hole up' during the years ahead, kind of like survival prep. I know that it's something that we don't want to talk about but I feel that someone must say something (send this report to anyone you like, I'm not selling anything here). I saw dark storm clouds forming over the USA over a year ago, and they are getting worse with every month that passes, and this storm is going to be bad. I won't go into much detail here as to why but I can say that the incivility and unrest in this country is getting really bad; at ground zero here in Sioux Falls it feels like the whole city will break down into a fist fight, and this is just the calm before the storm. Don't believe me? Watch when the housing bubble blows up later this year. I can't see how this will be good....

No offense your reasoning is still heavily flawed.  You know why there is alot of Federal Spending in DC: ALL OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS BASED HERE.  Its the base of power.  That is why there is plenty of Jobs in DC and one of the strongest economies in the country.  In fact I LIVED in Chicago, you want to know where its easier to find a good paying Job: DC.  My Roommate lived in NYC, you want to know which place its easier to find a good paying job: DC. 

Like I said, your reasoning is heavily flawed.  Federal subsidies should not be used as a criteria at all for moving to an area. 

Also if you want to base it on oil prices New England, is not walkable at all and public transportation is crap.  I can walk, bike, a bus or train easily in the beltway. 

I could go on, but your entire federal subsidy standard is incredibly flawed and should not be used as a standard for a TG person moving anywhere, that is the flaw.  The ease of finding a job and legal protections should be.  Guess what...DC ranks a solid 4 both areas.  I would rank Chicago and NYC, highly competitive job markets which its very tough to get a good job...a 2 in that area.  Yeah there is legal protections, but when you are competing with 50-100 people for one job, well its pretty easy to get discrimination that is unactionable.  DC on the other hand...jobs are easy to get because of people are moving in and out to work on campaigns.  Also the high tech industry in the area is huge.  I could go on, but from LIVING HERE, the job boom is not going away anytimes soon in DC, the constant flow of people in and out makes it an easy place to find a good job.  In Chicago and NYC you may get a job, but it will not be as good as the one you will get in DC in terms of pay.

Quote from: Fae on July 13, 2007, 07:41:37 PM

Quote from: Kat on July 13, 2007, 07:38:39 PM
I live in Indiana, so I would be leaving 

Ah, well ok then...so you know he's a trained monkey? 

I want out too, but if not I will try to find the most accepting state. 

Please stop referring to monkeyboy as being a well trained monkey. He will never be trained well enough to roam about without a diaper.

signed

The Department of Homeland Security

Posted on: July 16, 2007, 10:57:52 PM

---

Quote from: Aeyra on July 16, 2007, 12:34:19 AM
I also admit that I wrote this report with the intent of providing some guidance for a good place to 'hole up' during the years ahead, kind of like survival prep. I know that it's something that we don't want to talk about but I feel that someone must say something (send this report to anyone you like, I'm not selling anything here). I saw dark storm clouds forming over the USA over a year ago, and they are getting worse with every month that passes, and this storm is going to be bad. I won't go into much detail here as to why but I can say that the incivility and unrest in this country is getting really bad; at ground zero here in Sioux Falls it feels like the whole city will break down into a fist fight, and this is just the calm before the storm. Don't believe me? Watch when the housing bubble blows up later this year. I can't see how this will be good....

Hi Aeyra,

   I am the kind of person who doesn't understand anything. Can you start a post that explains more about what you mean by the statements above?   I'm usually pretty mellow, but you're freaking me out.  I live in Massachusetts in case you have any foresight into what is going to happen here.

  Also, can you explain what you meant about birth certificates not mattering anymore?


Thank you,

Rebis

Quote from: Rebis on July 16, 2007, 11:16:49 PM

Quote from: Fae on July 13, 2007, 07:41:37 PM

Quote from: Kat on July 13, 2007, 07:38:39 PM
I live in Indiana, so I would be leaving 

Ah, well ok then...so you know he's a trained monkey? 

I want out too, but if not I will try to find the most accepting state. 

Please stop referring to monkeyboy as being a well trained monkey. He will never be trained well enough to roam about without a diaper.

signed

The Department of Homeland Security

oh, Rebis...THAT'S funny!

"  I am the kind of person who doesn't understand anything. Can you start a post that explains more about what you mean by the statements above?   I'm usually pretty mellow, but you're freaking me out.  I live in Massachusetts in case you have any foresight into what is going to happen here.

  Also, can you explain what you meant about birth certificates not mattering anymore?"

Simply put, I don't think that birth certificates will be of much use in the future. I don't foresee the feds or perhaps even the state governments playing much of a role in our lives 5 - 10 years down the road. Why? To make a long story short, this housing bubble collapse and eventual massive drop in housing prices is going to mess over this country big time, and I can see it happening right now. If that happens, I think that politics and the general attitude of society will get nasty, and I think you'll be lucky if anyone even bothers to check your BC. Who knows what could happen in the next few years. What I do know is that this 2008 election year will be a firestorm, and I don't get a very good feeling about that.

If your house dropped back to 1999-2000 price levels, would you be able to handle that, for those of you who own? That is a very likely scenario; if housing goes back to 99/00 pricing, that's a 60 -70% in some areas, and I don't think that the general population would like that at all. The reason I focus on housing is because that is basically what has driven the US economy in the past 7 years or so, and without the real estate bubble this country is in deep trouble. The political tension in this country is already heavily strained by the stupid Congress and Bush's antics since 2000; does anyone really think that having the economy lurch back a decade in size is going to help?

Where you are at in Massachutsetts, Rebis, you'll be fine, but if you live in the larger cities you'll want to be careful since the level of crime will go up considerably. Some areas of the country aren't as lucky; I hate to break it to everyone but most of the Western US will fare worse than the New England states. I can't see how Phoenix or Los Angeles will be able to pick themselves back up from a housing collapse. San Francisco will fare better but like Massachutsetts, you'll want to be careful. Seattle and Portland, same thing there. As for the rest of the West, it's best if you leave. I know a lot of people won't agree with me here but most of the western US doesn't function well without funds from DC. I'm trying my best to get out of South Dakota since this state functions poorly even in good times. I think the best places to go are the Pacific Northwest (or Northern CA), the Great Lakes states (at least in MN and IL), and the Northeastern US. If you are in Canada, stay in eastern Canada all the way out to the end of Ontario, or you can go into the British Columbian coastline. Try to move to a smaller city if it works for you (below 140K).

Found some articles to verify Aeyra's research.  Amy, you may not agree with Aeyra's findings, but the situation in this country has been getting worse, not better, since 9/11.  I believe she is using "federal subsidies" as a standard of her research because there may come a time when individuals will not be able to depend on the government for assistance, and if the housing bubble does collapse, then the economy may soon follow and we'll fall into another depression.  DC may be a good place to get a job, but most of those jobs are based within the government, either with politics, defense construction, etc.  What happens when those jobs are no longer available if the economy collapses? 

The government has slowly been stripping away civil liberties and the rights of the people in the name of "Homeland Security".  Areas in the south are still suffering because of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the government won't help them.  Crime is becoming more widespread everywhere.  Thanks to Mr. Bush's mess in Iraq, this country is no safer than it was before 9/11, and what is happening over there may not affect us now, but it may in the near future.  Other countries are already distancing themselves from us because of our militaristic foreign policy.  Political corruption is horrendous and is already affecting the average individual, because the government is catering to special interest groups, the rich, and succumbing to party politics - and not representing the people as it's suppose to do under the constitution.  There is a trillion-dollar-deficit that our children and our children's children will be paying off for centuries.

What does all this mean for us in the TG/TS community?  It means that when the hard times do come, we will have to be extra careful and become self-sufficient.  Aeyra is using federal subsidies as a standard so we can live somewhere where we can be self-sufficient. 

At least take Aeyra's advice under consideration, and do some research of your own if you don't agree with her.  Can it hurt to be prepared?

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/trouble_at_home_the_housing_bubble.php

http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2002/2924fannie_mae.html

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/may2005/nf20050531_6480_db042.htm

~Fae

You should have also included access to  trans health services such as low-priced GLBT clinics and other resources.  This is a MUCH more relevant criteria than some that you listed.

As much as I hate to say this, Federal Jobs and Jobs related to government spending are often the only jobs that are safe during economic collapse.  It is often the areas of the country that are heavily reliant on private industry (such as the midwest) and real estate (California) that are often much harder hit by things such as the housing bubble.  Federal and political jobs are actually more secure and her predicting the collapse of the US government is a bit far fetched.  Even with the federal deficit, DC jobs are as safe as you get.  It is the jobs outside of government and politics, which are often the softest targets.  Thus the flawed reasoning.  My reasoning comes from a better understanding of the actual economy.  The private sector and jobs related to it are slaves to business cycles, the federal government and DC is not. 

Even during the great depression federal jobs were safe, in fact the federal government was the only one hiring.

I could go on, it why what she is putting forth is highly flawed reasoning.  But in times of economic collapse...my job in DC is safe, your job anywhere else...good luck.  The housing bubble is going to effect construction workers, private sector workers, and state government workers, not DC analyst and federal bureaucrats. 

Quote from: Amy T. on July 17, 2007, 11:19:54 AM
You should have also included access to  trans health services such as low-priced GLBT clinics and other resources.  This is a MUCH more relevant criteria than some that you listed.

That may be, but I think this list is more practical in terms of planning for the future.  Transition is only one part of our lives, and some TG/TS individuals do not go to clinics and are able to find helpful doctors in most places.  After transition, you need to plan to move on with your life, and this list helps in some regard to that goal.

Quote from: Amy T. on July 17, 2007, 11:19:54 AMFederal and political jobs are actually more secure and her predicting the collapse of the US government is a bit far fetched.

Far fetched, maybe, but not completely impossible given the current situation in this country, as I see it.  Huge deficit, foreign countries distancing themselves from us, the failure to make America safer, an unending war in Iraq.  Do you really think this is so far fetched?  I view this list as a rough idea for people to form the basis of a plan if things get worse than they are now and depending on the government is not possible.  It is not flawed - it's an idea for the future.

Quote from: Amy T. on July 17, 2007, 11:19:54 AMMy reasoning comes from a better understanding of the actual economy.  The private sector and jobs related to it are slaves to business cycles, the federal government and DC is not.

How do you have a better understanding of the economy compared to anyone else?  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to follow the news and do independent research to find out how the economy is doing.  Please refrain from saying "better" because you're coming across somewhat rude IMHO. 

Quote from: Amy T. on July 17, 2007, 11:19:54 AMI could go on, it why what she is putting forth is highly flawed reasoning.  But in times of economic collapse...my job in DC is safe, your job anywhere else...good luck.  The housing bubble is going to effect construction workers, private sector workers, and state government workers, not DC analyst and federal bureaucrats.

So basically the rich and those in power (i.e. DC analysts and bureaucrats) are going to be fine while the rest of us, the average citizens (i.e. construction workers, private sector workers, and state government workers) are more or less screwed if the economy collapses. 

Wow, that's just great.  I feel so much better.  Thank you Big Government! 

~Fae

I am one of those DC experts.  My pay is middle class, but I have a JD.  I am part of the expert economy as a research analyst.  I would barely call us rich.  Just well educated.  Most of DC is well educated, its an expert economy, Boston is the same way, just different fields (less politics, more university and research centered).  Expert economies hold up the best during economic downturns, or are not effected at all.  The entire economy in these regions are often stable. 

DC is one of the most stable regions economically because the metro area has an education level that only Boston really comes close too.    Unlike what you are suggesting (I can tell already you know VERY LITTLE about DC), the economy is based on its expertise in a number of diverse areas, not just defense.  Also the federal jobs here are the last to get cut if there are federal cuts.  DC is not very reliant on construction for jobs, and less reliant on defense contractors than you realize, you want to know where the housing bubble will be bad, look to the Chicago exurbs. 

Also the war...will be over in two years.  It ends with Bush.  Also there is a very high likelihood the Republican party will collapse.  They own this war and they will pay the political price for continuing to support the war of choice.

I know I am cynical.  But expert economies like DC and Boston are usually the safest from economic collapse.  It is the benefit of living in one and having an education.

By the way.  I know about these conditions because I work on economic issues and analysis as part of my daily job.
I fought against many of the problems of this economy for years.  I know where they are sourced and have been fighting and warning people about them for years.  Idiots thought that housing development = good for the economy.  The downside was there was to much speculation and investment into housing.  It was a collapse in the making and I knew about it four years ago.

I am not a fan of the economy in the US either.  I have been trying to educate people about these issues.  I kind of have a told you so attitude sometimes as a result.  Outsourcing to china, low taxes on the rich, a war, a loss of the social safety net, and sprawl and over development has lead to a volatile economy. 

Like I said.  It does suck.  I don't like it either.  But I wanted to point out your flawed reasoning.  DC will be the last place to suffer from an economic downturn.  DC has yet to really suffer from one because of the nature of the town.  Politics is always a booming economy and DC federal jobs are always stable.  Plus the tech industry here is very strong and the legal field here will always be stable.  Other than that...its military jobs, which are married to the pentagon. Then its the universities and medical field which are not hurting. 

What I am saying is if you are a trans person with a college education and want to work for a progressive employer, seriously look into DC. 

PS.  DCs crime rate has also been falling.  It is no longer the worst place in the US to live.  The city is safe as long as you stay to the west.  It is expensive, but the pay makes up for the high cost of living, and there are reasonably priced places to live. 

Yeah, but besides the richest old areas of DC and the mall area, the architecture truly sucks (my opinion obviously), which much concretre used in all the wrong way. Its like they concentrated on government (not hulking souless buildings, the other ones) and the old areas and everything else got shafted.

Keira,
The aesthetics like any place depends where you are.  DC has been undergoing a revitalization in recent years, so much of it looks different than it did even 5 years ago and there has been a great deal of modernization.
Even the NE is starting to improve somewhat. 
Most of the city though is old and historic.

Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Springs, Takoma Park and the other urban suburbs are were most of the growth has been.  DC has limits just because of the height requirements.  That is why once you hit these areas, especially Arlington, there are tall buildings everywhere.  Its really bizarre. 

I live in southern Ontario Canada and love it here. I think that Toronto is one of the most Liberal citys in North America.
They have a large Pride day Parade here which attracts alot of publicity. I believe that it's very TG/TS freindly.
Then again, that's just my opinion. 

What is it that you exactly do in DC, anyways? I know just as much about the economy as anyone else, and the numbers don't lie. We have $46 trillion USD in debt in this country and I don't see how we'll pay that back, especially given that our national assets are maybe $44 trillion USD. Basically we're upside down on the whole deal. Washington DC, granted, won't be the hardest hit, but I don't think it will be a good place in the future. The only reason DC does well right now is simply because the rest of the country is paying for it. It should be obvious to most people that we're going to have a SHTF moment really soon. When that happens, duck.

I will agree that BOston will make it through, but they'll run into some bumpy turbulence too. I didn't base my report on just who's paying whose bills, I considered a whole bunch of factors and the local economy is just one aspect of what makes a place good to live in or not.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 18, 2007, 11:14:05 AM
What is it that you exactly do in DC, anyways? I know just as much about the economy as anyone else, and the numbers don't lie. We have $46 trillion USD in debt in this country and I don't see how we'll pay that back, especially given that our national assets are maybe $44 trillion USD. Basically we're upside down on the whole deal. Washington DC, granted, won't be the hardest hit, but I don't think it will be a good place in the future. The only reason DC does well right now is simply because the rest of the country is paying for it. It should be obvious to most people that we're going to have a SHTF moment really soon. When that happens, duck.

I will agree that BOston will make it through, but they'll run into some bumpy turbulence too. I didn't base my report on just who's paying whose bills, I considered a whole bunch of factors and the local economy is just one aspect of what makes a place good to live in or not.

   Wasn't everything a horrible mess before Bill Clinton was in office?  By the time he left office things were much better, I think.  I can't swear to that. I have no clue.  My point is that if we are fortunate enough to get a good team in place, maybe things can be turned around some. Not as much as before, though, due to the damage caused by the winged diaper boy-in-chief.

   Please keep making upbeat projections about Boston.     Between this thread and Thundra's prediction of outright civil war, I am having some anxiety.


Thank you,

Rebis

Quote from: Amy T. on July 18, 2007, 02:40:43 AM
I am one of those DC experts.  My pay is middle class, but I have a JD.  I am part of the expert economy as a research analyst.  I would barely call us rich.  Just well educated.  Most of DC is well educated, its an expert economy, Boston is the same way, just different fields (less politics, more university and research centered).  Expert economies hold up the best during economic downturns, or are not effected at all.  The entire economy in these regions are often stable. 

DC is one of the most stable regions economically because the metro area has an education level that only Boston really comes close too.    Unlike what you are suggesting (I can tell already you know VERY LITTLE about DC), the economy is based on its expertise in a number of diverse areas, not just defense.  Also the federal jobs here are the last to get cut if there are federal cuts.  DC is not very reliant on construction for jobs, and less reliant on defense contractors than you realize, you want to know where the housing bubble will be bad, look to the Chicago exurbs. 

Also the war...will be over in two years.  It ends with Bush.  Also there is a very high likelihood the Republican party will collapse.  They own this war and they will pay the political price for continuing to support the war of choice.

I know I am cynical.  But expert economies like DC and Boston are usually the safest from economic collapse.  It is the benefit of living in one and having an education.

By the way.  I know about these conditions because I work on economic issues and analysis as part of my daily job.
I fought against many of the problems of this economy for years.  I know where they are sourced and have been fighting and warning people about them for years.  Idiots thought that housing development = good for the economy.  The downside was there was to much speculation and investment into housing.  It was a collapse in the making and I knew about it four years ago.

I am not a fan of the economy in the US either.  I have been trying to educate people about these issues.  I kind of have a told you so attitude sometimes as a result.  Outsourcing to china, low taxes on the rich, a war, a loss of the social safety net, and sprawl and over development has lead to a volatile economy. 

Like I said.  It does suck.  I don't like it either.  But I wanted to point out your flawed reasoning.  DC will be the last place to suffer from an economic downturn.  DC has yet to really suffer from one because of the nature of the town.  Politics is always a booming economy and DC federal jobs are always stable.  Plus the tech industry here is very strong and the legal field here will always be stable.  Other than that...its military jobs, which are married to the pentagon. Then its the universities and medical field which are not hurting. 

What I am saying is if you are a trans person with a college education and want to work for a progressive employer, seriously look into DC. 

PS.  DCs crime rate has also been falling.  It is no longer the worst place in the US to live.  The city is safe as long as you stay to the west.  It is expensive, but the pay makes up for the high cost of living, and there are reasonably priced places to live. 

Thank you, that's better than just saying "I have a better understanding of the economy" and not explaining it before now because it sounded very elitist.  And no, I know very little about DC but I can tell you I would not want to live there because (a) I'm not very fond of big cities, (b) I can't picture myself living where the center of the government is based, and (c) No matter how easy it is to get a job there, it's DC!!  It's like the biggest target for a possible attack against this country.  No matter how low the crime rate is, I wouldn't feel safe there because of that, so I'll stick to New England.

Quote from: Rebis on July 18, 2007, 01:03:08 PM
   Wasn't everything a horrible mess before Bill Clinton was in office?  By the time he left office things were much better, I think.  I can't swear to that. I have no clue.  My point is that if we are fortunate enough to get a good team in place, maybe things can be turned around some. Not as much as before, though, due to the damage caused by the winged diaper boy-in-chief.

   Please keep making upbeat projections about Boston.     Between this thread and Thundra's prediction of outright civil war, I am having some anxiety.


Thank you,

Rebis

I don't know about when Bill came into office, but when he left office this country was doing really good.  We had a $4 million surplus, the environment was protected, and the middle east was on the path towards peace (between Israel and the Palestinians), and the rest of the world thought very highly of us AFAIK.

I don't know if it would come to outright civil war, but it wouldn't surprise me.  Hopefully the next president will fix up Bush's mess and re-unite the country and end this "red" and "blue" state crap, and all the garbage that's developed over the past 8 years.

~Fae

If you just did New Orleans separate from the rest of Louisiana where would it rank?(New Orleans, not Louisiana).

Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on July 19, 2007, 04:42:28 PM
If you just did New Orleans separate from the rest of Louisiana where would it rank?(New Orleans, not Louisiana).

Probably a bit higher up but I based my report on the states as a whole, not parts of them. I would probably leave LA if you live outside of New Orleans. Even so, New Orleans is still in poor condition even long after Katrina. Granted the city may be TG friendly but I can't see how they will be able to put it back together. It's a shame since I heard that New Orleans was once a beautiful city.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 18, 2007, 11:14:05 AM
What is it that you exactly do in DC, anyways? I know just as much about the economy as anyone else, and the numbers don't lie. We have $46 trillion USD in debt in this country and I don't see how we'll pay that back, especially given that our national assets are maybe $44 trillion USD. Basically we're upside down on the whole deal. Washington DC, granted, won't be the hardest hit, but I don't think it will be a good place in the future. The only reason DC does well right now is simply because the rest of the country is paying for it. It should be obvious to most people that we're going to have a SHTF moment really soon. When that happens, duck.

I will agree that BOston will make it through, but they'll run into some bumpy turbulence too. I didn't base my report on just who's paying whose bills, I considered a whole bunch of factors and the local economy is just one aspect of what makes a place good to live in or not.

Washington DC will be one of the few good places in future.  The rest of the country may be paying for it, but it being the nations capitol and political center will not change whether there is a debt or surplus.  There will always be money and a stable economy here because every national union group, nonprofit, trade organization, etc has to be based here and will continue to operate no matter what the economic conditions.  No matter what the debt, the fact that this is an expert economy based on politics not business cycles or even the federal budget deficit.  Everyone from corporations, to unions, to citizens, to the media pour billions of dollars every year into this economy because of the political importance of DC and the high level access that really only exists here because its the nations capital. Every union and trade group is based here.  Most professional organizations run large offices out of DC. Nearly every national nonprofit is based here.   It guarantees a perpetually stable economy even in economic downturns. The closest thing to private industry here are patent law firms, appeallete law firms, PR firms and lobbying firms, and they are recession proof.  Everybody else works for nonprofits or DC fed jobs. 

In fact this area would probably be the LEAST hurt by any economic downturn compared to ANYWHERE else in the country, this has been true for well over a century and its not going to change.  Boston will actually see more pain than DC ever would.  Why? Because it is far more dependent on private enterprise, so it is more of a slave to the business cycle.  The only thing that keeps Boston more stable is the university and hospital system there, which is another thing DC area has on top of all the other recession proof aspects of the DC economy. 

Yes, I am an elitist.  I am a research analyst for a major corporate watchdog organization in DC.  Like anybody with "research" or "policy" and "analyst" in their title in  DC I am by every right an expert.  So when I see misguided and misinformed information about a location I will tell them, especially areas I am extremely familiar with by living in them, such as rural New England, DC, Chicago, etc.  Economic systems of large cities are complex, and you have proven to me you have very little if any understanding of the economy of DC and how it works.  You feel that the federal debt will effect it...it won't.

Probably the reason there are very few trans people here is because its an expert economy.  You need a college education, and quite frequently a masters degree or higher, and have skills outside of making money or selling things.  Its an idea economy coupled with a political economy.  DC is a knowledge base in this country of policy and research, and the economy here is based on that.  Idea economies...usually are the most recession proof, and DC is the center of the idea of the idea economy in the US, at least with regards to policy.   Its why even when the rest of the US economy often falters...DCs economy frequently grows. 

Also with regards to terrorist attacks.  You know where my train stop is, well one of them, the pentagon.  I do not live in fear of terrorism.  I live within a mile of the pentagon in fact.  I don't buy into fear campaigns regarding terrorism, I am more afraid of real life violence...like being shot, and even that is extremely unlikely.  I lived in urban areas during various points in my life, and I don't give into the concept of fear that many in rural areas and suburban areas have with regards to big cities.  I have seen worse things happen in  areas other than big cities, and more bigotry and explicit trans phobia and homophobia in those areas as well.   

You want to know what I really fear: car accidents and hit and run drivers.

Quote from: Amy T. on July 20, 2007, 12:37:11 PMYes, I am an elitist.

While I have valued your input up until now Amy, because of this statement I can't agree with you, nor accept your advise on the matter.

~Fae